Rep. Bonamici Slams Trump Administration for Withholding $5 Billion in Education Funds

Withholding of Critical Education Funds

• 📌 Representative Suzanne Bonamici is demanding answers from the Department of Education and the Office of Management and Budget regarding over $5 billion in K12 and adult education funding that was due by July 1st but remains withheld.
• ⚠️ The Trump administration's delay has left school districts scrambling, with many already forced to lay off educators and staff due to unclear information and constrained budgets.
• 🚨 The situation is described as a "five alarm fire" by an administrator, with the new school year starting in a few weeks and schools facing an all-out crisis.

Impact of Withheld Funds on Students and Programs

• 🎯 Funds authorized under the Every Student Succeeds Act are crucial for closing opportunity gaps and providing a world-class education, regardless of a student's income or zip code.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 State administered Title One Part C grants support migrant students, helping children of farm workers and fishers meet academic standards and graduate.
• 🍎 Title two grants are essential for recruiting, preparing, and retaining high-quality teachers and school leaders, addressing workforce shortages and improving student outcomes.
• 🗣️ Title three grants provide vital support for English language learners to acquire English and meet state standards.
• 🎨 Title 4 Part A grants aim to give students access to a well-rounded education, funding programs like music, arts, and technology integration for digital literacy.
• 💼 Adult basic and literacy education grants help provide integrated education and training services for the 21st-century workforce.

Call for Immediate Release of Funds

• 🏛️ These programs were authorized by Congress, yet the Trump administration is refusing to release the congressionally appropriated dollars.
• 🤝 A bipartisan group of 10 Republican senators joined Democrats in calling for the release of funds, but House Republicans have remained silent.
• 📣 Bonamici urges everyone to join in demanding answers and calls for Secretary McMahon and Director Vote to release these funds immediately for the nation's children and future leaders.